Pelvic pain is a common problem that affects both men and women, with women being particularly affected during and after pregnancy. These pelvic complaints can range from pain in the lower back, hips and groin to radiating pain down the legs. Osteopathy offers a holistic approach to treating these symptoms, focusing on restoring balance and mobility to the body.
What are pelvic complaints?
Pelvic pain often manifests as pain in the area around the pelvis, including the lower back, hips and groin. This pain can radiate to the legs and often gets worse with activities such as walking, standing or climbing stairs. During pregnancy, hormonal changes can cause the pelvic joints to loosen, which can result in pelvic instability and associated pain.
Causes of pelvic pain
There may be several causes:
– Overuse or trauma: Repeated strain, improper posture or a fall can lead to pelvic pain.
– Pelvic instability: Reduced stability of the pelvis can cause pain and movement restrictions.
– Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy loosen the connections between the pelvic bones, which can lead to pelvic pain.
Pelvic pain during pregnancy
During pregnancy, women may experience pelvic pain due to hormonal changes that relax the joints and ligaments in the pelvis. This natural process prepares the body for childbirth, but can lead to pain and instability. These symptoms often manifest as pain in the lower back, pubic bone or hips, and may radiate to the legs. Activities such as walking, standing or turning in bed can make the pain worse.
How can osteopathy help?
Osteopathy offers an effective approach to treating pelvic pain by considering the body as a whole. The osteopath does not just focus on the painful areas, but examines the entire body to determine the underlying cause of the symptoms. Through manual techniques, movement restrictions are removed and blood flow is improved, helping to restore the body’s natural balance and function.
Treatment
Osteopathic treatment begins with a comprehensive history and physical examination to determine the cause of the pelvic pain. Manual techniques are then applied to restore mobility to the pelvis and surrounding structures. This may include:
– Mobilizations of the pelvis and spine: Improving joint mobility to restore balance and function.
– Treatment of muscles and tissues: reducing muscle tension and improving blood flow in the pelvic area.
– Visceral techniques: optimizing the mobility of organs in the abdomen and pelvis, which may indirectly affect pelvic pain.
Benefits of osteopathy for pelvic pain
Osteopathy offers several benefits for people with these complaints:
– Holistic Approach: By treating the body as a whole, it’s not just the symptoms that are addressed, but also the underlying causes of the symptoms.
– Individually tailored treatment: Each treatment is tailored to the patient’s specific needs and circumstances, ensuring a focused and effective approach.
– Improving mobility and function: By restoring balance and mobility in the body, daily activities can again be performed without pain.
Prevention and self-care for pelvic pain
In addition to osteopathic treatments, there are also self-care measures that can help prevent and reduce pelvic pain:
– Posture advice: Pay attention to good posture during daily activities to prevent pelvic strain.
– Gradual increase of activity: Perform physical activities gradually and avoid sudden, intense loading of the pelvis.
– Pelvic floor exercises: Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can help stabilize the pelvis and reduce symptoms.
Conclusion
Pelvic pain can have a significant impact on daily life, especially during and after pregnancy. Osteopathy offers an effective and holistic approach to treating these symptoms by restoring balance and mobility to the body. By addressing both the symptoms and underlying causes, osteopathy can make a substantial contribution to recovery.
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